Several people in NYC have been hospitalized with the virus since late August and one child is confirmed to have died last week from the flu in New York City.

The Department of Public Health reported its first pediatric death in New York City of the 2018-19 season on Oct. 26th. According to an article in Ramapo Daily Voice, Health Department officials have reported the first flu death in New York City this season. Details, such as where the patient was treated and the exact date they died, were not disclosed. To read the full article: https://ramapo.dailyvoice.com/news/first-child-flu-death-of-season-reported-in-new-york/743899/

Experts said this isn’t necessarily a harbinger of a nastier than usual flu season, they say it should drive home the message that the flu is dangerous, and people should get vaccinated.

Deaths have risen in 2018

Within the past few years, flu-related deaths account for 12,000 to 56,000 nationally in one season. The CDC reported an estimated 80,000 people died in the 2017-2018 flu seasons. Medical experts recommend everyone age 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine by the end of October. They state that senior citizens are the most vulnerable for getting the flu, adding many of them do not get the flu shot. Although the flu vaccine mixture last year may have not been the best fit, they highly recommend people do not take the risk and avoid being vaccinated.